Serial Arsonist

A Serial Arsonist is someone who habitually and compulsively sets fires. Under U.S. Law, arson is defined as "the malicious burning of the dwelling of another",[1] though the actual crime may entail the burning of any structure or object. It has been noted that many serial arsonists are actually frustrated or disgruntled firefighters, who fall into the category of Pyromaniacs.

The FBI describes serial arson as "three or more fire setting episodes, with a characteristic emotional cooling-off period between fires". For arsonists that only set two arson fires or are arrested after setting two arson fires, they are dubbed spree arsonists.

Under U.S. Law, arson in any form by an adult is a felony. Juveniles, in the past, have been charged with the misdemeanor "Malicious Mischief", but this has changed in recent times. Depending on the nature of the associated crime, Felony Arson may punishable by life in prison (20 to Life).